Overview & Reviews

Since its debut back when the Beatles were singing about holding hands, the Chevrolet Malibu has gone through several iterations. The initial lineup consisted of rear-drive midsizers that included coupes, sedans, wagons and the legendary, high-horsepower SS-badged muscle car. After a downsizing in the late 1970s and a quiet death in the early '80s, the Malibu was reincarnated as a smaller, anonymous, front-wheel-drive favorite of rental fleets.

The two newest generations of the Malibu have been much improved, however, and are more deserving of some "Love Me Do." Though it generally falls a little short of class-leading status, a new or late-model used Malibu is still a solid choice for a midsize family sedan thanks to its strong performance, composed and quiet ride, handsome styling and advanced electronics features.

Current Chevrolet Malibu
The current Chevrolet Malibu comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 196 horsepower. From there, shoppers can go either the performance or fuel economy route. The former is satisfied by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 259 hp. The Malibu Eco, on the other hand, features a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (182 hp) connected to a mild hybrid system that helps return nearly 30 mpg combined. The base engine achieves the same fuel economy, however, so we see no reason to select the Eco for this model year. All Malibus come standard with front-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Four Malibu trim levels are offered: LS, LT, LTZ and Eco. The base LS is nicely equipped with alloy wheels, cruise control, air-conditioning and a power driver-seat height adjuster. The LT has three sublevels (1LT, 2LT and 3LT) that add perks like dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, the MyLink interface with smartphone integration and upgraded audio with iPod/USB connectivity. The LTZ boasts leather upholstery and heated front seats. Aside from its hybrid hardware, the Eco is equipped much like a 1LT. Options, depending on trim, include xenon headlights, a navigation system, Pioneer audio and safety features such as lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

In reviews of the latest Chevrolet Malibu, we've identified its ride quality and refinement as particularly strong points. Impacts rarely filter into the cabin, which remains whisper-quiet at highway speeds. Moreover, all Malibus enjoy an abundance of soft-touch materials, decent-quality switchgear and an attractive dashboard. The main downside is a relative lack of rear-seat legroom. Overall, the Malibu doesn't fully stand out from the talented crowd in this segment, but it's still a solid choice for family sedan shoppers.

Used Chevrolet Malibu Models
The current-generation Malibu was introduced for 2013. It brings welcome improvements in refinement, feature content and efficiency relative to its predecessor, though shortcomings like limited backseat room persist. For 2014, this Malibu received numerous revisions aimed at quelling early criticism, including a fuel-economy bump for the base four-cylinder, more torque for the turbocharged engine, revised suspension tuning and some new interior features. These changes didn't make a big difference in terms of the car's place in the family-sedan pecking order, but they do render the 2013 model marginally less appealing as a used option.

The previous-generation Malibu was produced from 2008 through 2012. With its crisp, tailored lines, this Malibu looked more like a luxury sedan than its forgettable predecessor. Its cabin was similarly handsome, with a stylish design and two-tone color schemes that stood out from the crowd (while disguising less-than-ideal materials).

Throughout its life, this Malibu was available in four trims (LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ) and with a choice of two engines. A 169-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder was initially standard on all but the LTZ, but for '09 it became available for every Malibu. That year also saw a six-speed automatic transmission replace the original four-speed unit on all but the LS and 1LT trims, though every Malibu got it a year later.

A 3.6-liter 252-hp V6 served as the optional engine upgrade (though it was initially standard on the LTZ). This always had a six-speed automatic, as well as a different steering system than the four-cylinder. Its hydraulic steering (versus electric) offered more weighting and a bit more road feel, but neither system was really a standout in the class. Similarly, this Malibu's handling in general was responsive enough, but few would deem it sporty.

Our staff was impressed by many aspects of this Chevrolet Malibu. Its combination of handsome looks, a spacious and attractive cabin, competent performance and a quiet ride gave Chevy a serious player in this tough segment. Subpar rear seat space and hit-or-miss interior construction were notable drawbacks, along with a few missing features like a navigation system. Besides its transmission, changes were restricted to features availability, with items like Bluetooth and an iPod interface eventually added.

The previous Chevy Malibu was offered from 2004-'08. As there was that one-year overlap, Chevrolet distinguished the two different Malibus by calling the retiring version the "Malibu Classic." In addition to a sedan body style, the outgoing Malibu was also offered in a longer-wheelbase hatchback version called the Malibu Maxx. Compared to earlier Malibus, this one came with more powerful engine choices, a roomier layout and safety features like available side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals.

Base LS and midlevel LT models made up the bulk of the Malibu's production. The lack of style and performance was addressed in 2006 when the lineup was beefed up with the leather-trimmed LTZ and high-performance SS. For power, this generation offered a 2.2-liter four-cylinder rated at 144 hp (LS and LT models), a 217-hp 3.5-liter V6 (standard on the LTZ and optional on LT) and a top-dog 3.9-liter V6 with 240 ponies for the SS. All were hooked up to a four-speed automatic transmission, and the SS featured a manual-shift mode.

In reviews, we commented favorably about the car's smooth ride quality and roomy interior. Noted downsides included a lackluster cabin and subpar braking and handling. We'd suggest choosing one of the V6 engines, which provide an agreeable combination of performance and fuel economy.

The preceding Chevrolet Malibu generation was sold during the 1997-2003 model years. In 2000, the front styling was modified to be more Impala-like and the 3.1-liter V6 was improved with more power. Minor detail changes like exterior/interior trim revisions, automatic headlamp control, new audio systems with a CD player and new colors carried the Malibu through its next few years. We were fans of this Malibu at the time, viewing it as something of an overlooked gem in GM's lineup, but its advancing age and spotty consumer reviews make it a tricky used-car selection.

User Reviews:

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  2000 CHEVY MALIBU LS - 2000 Chevrolet Malibu
  By RonG12 - December 28 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A DOG. DONT BUY IT. ITS BEEN NOTHING BUT HEADACHES SINCE DAY 1. BRAKES AND ROTARS REPLACED ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASSIONS (IT NOW HAS 67,000 MILES ON IT). WATER PUMP REPLACED, BLOWER FAN REPLACED, AND TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPLACED. SPENT OVER $1500 OUT OF POCKET ON ALL OF THESE "NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR" MALFUNCTIONS. GM DOES NOT HELP IN THE LEAST. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS LOUSY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM CAR........NEVER.

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  1998 Chevrolet Malibu LS - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By ssmiles - December 26 - 2:00 am

  Transmission was replaced at 9000 miles. Rotors have warped 4 times. Glove box latch broke at around 60000 miles. Engine still running strong and has good acceleration.

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  2003 chevy malibu - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By goochmamax2 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car. I love it. It is my first brand new car. I really wanted a 2001 malibu, but they told me that I couldnt get that. That I had to buy new. I was very excited but the payments are a killer. I think I could of got a better car for the price I am paying a month.

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  Problems with Malibu - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By aliall - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Apparently these cars are known to have problems with their manifold intake gaskets. Ours went out at 41000 miles and will cost $1000-1200 to replace. The AC/heater fan also doesnt work on settings 1 and 2 and the seatbelts have broken. All in all a bad experience with the quality and reliability

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  Love it - 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Sexy Mama - December 22 - 7:16 am

  I just recently purchased a new Malibu LTZ. First off, the look of the car is wonderful. Very classy inside and out. GM did everything right with this one. The comfort while driving to the spaciousness of the vehichle is great! I have a 4 month old son, and the space is definitely needed. With raising gas prices the Malibu was a much better bet then the Tahoe I was originally looking at. With this being the 3rd Chevy that I have owned..Cobalt SS, and TrailBlazer SS...Im still completly satisfied with Chevys! For the price range there is nothing more that I can ask for. I have the sunroof, heated seats, remaote start, plenty of places to put stuff. I couldnt ask for anything more.

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  99 Malibu 4 years later - 1999 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Glenn Sieja - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Our Malibu has not been very reliable. Most of the problems were covered under warranty. However, poor front brake and front suspension design continue to be a problem. Fuel capacity is very small and is a huge inconvenience. Dont expect much on the trade in!

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  Amazing daily commute and long trips car! - 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
  By Guy - December 21 - 12:11 pm

  It drives smooth and quiet, very comfortable and roomy interior. large trunk space. Im pretty sure It gets higher mileage than rated, drove it from New York to Montreal and arrived with 1/4 of a tank still full. The electronics are amazing!!! large display and very easy to understand, it is equipped with every gadget you can think of apple CarPlay, android auto, XM, Navigation and of course the Wi-Fi availability is a blessing. Connected the kids tablets to the Wi-Fi drove for 7 hours and did not hear them even once say the dreadful "are we there yet", also I must add that if your daily commute is driving in terrible slow traffic you are going to be happy with the noticeable gas savings and you will never be bored with all the array of radio stations and music available at your fingertips

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  Pleasantly Suprised - 2003 Chevrolet Malibu
  By C.J. - December 18 - 2:00 am

  I had never even considered a Malibu until my wife and I bought one. Im 64" and the Malibu was comfortable even on extended trips. Its no sports car, but the v-6 has plenty of power. Good handling, and it was rock solid on snow and ice. It also has excellent fuel economy for its size. I would also say its very safe, I walked away from a 70mph crash, uninjured.

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  Nothing but trouble! - 2001 Chevrolet Malibu
  By sicentird - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with only 11,000 miles on it and yes it ran great for about 3 months, after that you name it it happened. The clear coat on front bumper started flaking off, back drivers side window would not work properly, tires did not hold to wet roads, replacement of 1 tire usually leads to all four because of computer (and at around $80 per tire)gas tank is plastic and small, and lets not forget I had to have my computer sensors reset twice, and it depreciated faster then anything. What happened to Chevy being the best. I will never purchase another Malibu ever.

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  Malibu - 1998 Chevrolet Malibu
  By joe schmo - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Brakes, blower, alternator, water pump, etc. all usual problems with this model